Gagnon to run grueling race in honor of his late mother

Thursday

May 29, 2014 at 2:00 AM

People run for many reasons — some of which relate to humor, while others tug at the heartstrings. For Rochester resident Rob Gagnon, his reasoning may be classified in the latter category, as he is training for an upcoming race to honor his mom, Carol Gagnon, who passed away from cancer this past fall.

Rob Levey

People run for many reasons — some of which relate to humor, while others tug at the heartstrings. For Rochester resident Rob Gagnon, his reasoning may be classified in the latter category, as he is training for an upcoming race to honor his mom, Carol Gagnon, who passed away from cancer this past fall.

"She was a super courageous woman and my best friend," he said. "She fought an incredible battle and I sat by her side as she passed in a cruel death. She was always there for me in my life and now I am left searching my soul for a way to deal with this loss."

Beginning in the woods of Pittsfield, Vt., on June 27, this is not just any race, however. It is an obstacle and challenge-driven race that requires competitors to complete numerous and grueling mental and physical challenges throughout a 40-mile course through the woods. During the race, competitors may be asked to chop wood for two hours, complete a 30-mile hike with rocks and weighted packs, build a fire from scratch, or cut a bushel of onions.

After 24 hours of racing, competitors could also be required to memorize the names of the first 10 U.S. presidents or a Bible verse, hike to the top of a mountain and recite them back in order. If they miss a word, they must do it again and again until they get it right. Unlike other endurance races that offer a detailed map, "Death Racers" have no idea what to expect next, as the course map and list of challenges are kept secret. Even the length of the race is unknown, as it can range from 48 to 72 hours.

While such details would scare away most people, Gagnon said this race holds special meaning for him, as last year's Death Race competitors created and built by hand "an incredible stone staircase" that goes up a mountain.

"Months after this was completed, a woman decided to collect the names of people battling cancer," he said. "She takes those names and puts them on small rocks. She then places the rocks along the stone stairs. My mother has her own rock there."

Noting this year's race takes place on this very same mountain, Gagnon said he will be able to see the stone staircase, which he describes as a "magical place" to which his mom will forever be tied.

"I am compelled to be there," he said.

As for how he is preparing himself for this grueling event, he said he engages in functional fitness training six days a week, twice each day every other day. His training consists of working with kettlebells, weightlifting, flipping heavy tractor tires, sledge hammer hitting on tires, and bodyweight training — such as push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and lunges. He said he also runs and hikes with and without weight vests and a backpack.

"I also have been studying and practicing orienteering skills in the woods and learning how to make fire without matches or lighter," he added.

During the race, Gagnon said he will carry with him a photo of his mother and a green medal he received from a 7-hour endurance race held on Killington Mountain last fall just months before his mom passed away. Noting he gave the medal to her for the incredible courage she displayed in the face of cancer, he said she refused to take it off.

"She wore it in her final days and even requested to be shown with it at her wake," he said.

In preparing for his tribute race to his mom, Gagnon reflected on her final days and expressed gratitude at the fact he has no regrets. "We had talks together, we laughed, we hugged and cried together," he said. "We told each other the things that you really wish you could tell someone before you lose them."

As for how he feels about his upcoming Death Race, Gagnon cited his mom as a continued source of inspiration.

"If I can manage even 10 percent of the strength that my mother showed in her final days, I will easily make it through to the finish line," he said.

Although his mom can no longer be there in body to cheer for him, he said she will be with him in spirit.

"I almost feel like part of my mom is there," he said. "I know she will be with me to comfort me in my time of need."

For more information about the Death Race, visit www.PeakRaces.com or www.facebook.com/spartanrace.

Rob Levey is an avid runner and Somersworth resident who works in Portsmouth. He can be reached at roblevey@gmail.com.

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